The Other Ethiopian Eunuch

by David Gibson

Most Bible students know the conversion story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. But how many know the story of an Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-melech? His heroic actions are recorded in Jeremiah 38:1-13; 39:15-18.

Courageously countering evil

Because Jeremiah was proclaiming the truth God told him to preach, his enemies threw him into a cistern to die, and he sank into the mud.

When Ebed-melech learned of Jeremiah’s plight, he petitioned King Zedekiah to spare Jeremiah. The king consented, authorizing Ebed-melech to use the men under his command to pull Jeremiah out of the mire. Because Jeremiah was evidently so firmly stuck in the mud, Ebed-melech provided him with “worn-out clothes and worn-out rags” to cushion his armpits from the pull of the ropes. Thus, Jeremiah was brought up to safety.

Following his example

Because of Ebed-melech’s courageous actions, God promised to bring him safely through the horrors about to engulf Jerusalem—“because,” He said, “you have trusted in Me” (Jeremiah 39:18 NASB).

In these difficult times, when so many oppose the truth and persecute those who stand for it, we need to be like Ebed-melech, who trusted God enough to take a stand. And God will be pleased when we do.